The Wound Healing Potential of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams (Asteraceae)

Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. Adams and Manihot esculenta Crantz Exhibit Antibacterial Activity against Resistant Salmonella typhi Strains

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, has plagued underdeveloped countries for many years. Recently, there has been a surge in S. typhi strains identified to be multidrug-resistant in endemic areas. Aspilia africana and Manihot esculenta have been reported to exhibit activity against S. typhi; however, this study aimed to investigate the effect of A. africana and M. esculenta against resistance strains of S. typhi. The leaves of the plants were extracted using distilled water (hot (AQH) and cold (AQC)), methanol (MET), ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether. The extracts were screened in vitro for anti-Salmonella effects against fourteen S. typhi isolates (five multidrug-resistant (MDRST), five ciprofloxacin-resistant (CRST), three nalidixic acid-resistant (NARST), and one sensitive isolate (SS)) using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, glycosides, and flavonoids in all polar solvent extracts. Alkaloids were found in all extracts, while triterpenoids were present in all except the aqueous extracts. The AQC of A. africana had the best inhibitory effect on the MDRST and NARST with diameter zones of inhibitions (DZOIs) of 40.0 ± 2.08 mm and 34.0 ± 3.22 mm, respectively. Methanol extract of A. africana had the best inhibitory effect on CRST and SS with DZOIs of 34.0 ± 2.08 and 43.0 ± 3.06 mm, respectively. The AQC and AQH of A. africana and AQH of M. esculenta produced the best MICs and MBCs of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL against the MDRST. There was no significant difference in ZOIs of the different solvent extracts against test organisms at p < 0.05. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the extracts showed compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (9.55%), and 2H-benzo[F]oxireno[2,3-E]benzofuran-8(9H)-one in the A. Africana extracts and D-mannose, 3-nitrophenyl, methanol acetate (ester), and 9-octadecenamide in the M. esculenta extracts. The leaves of M. esculenta and A. Africana are effective against multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates.

Electrospun nanofibers synthesized from polymers incorporated with bioactive compounds for wound healing

The development of innovative wound dressing materials is crucial for effective wound care. It's an active area of research driven by a better understanding of chronic wound pathogenesis. Addressing wound care properly is a clinical challenge, but there is a growing demand for advancements in this field. The synergy of medicinal plants and nanotechnology offers a promising approach to expedite the healing process for both acute and chronic wounds by facilitating the appropriate progression through various healing phases. Metal nanoparticles play an increasingly pivotal role in promoting efficient wound healing and preventing secondary bacterial infections. Their small size and high surface area facilitate enhanced biological interaction and penetration at the wound site. Specifically designed for topical drug delivery, these nanoparticles enable the sustained release of therapeutic molecules, such as growth factors and antibiotics. This targeted approach ensures optimal cell-to-cell interactions, proliferation, and vascularization, fostering effective and controlled wound healing. Nanoscale scaffolds have significant attention due to their attractive properties, including delivery capacity, high porosity and high surface area. They mimic the Extracellular matrix (ECM) and hence biocompatible. In response to the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant, biohybrid nanofibrous wound dressings are gradually replacing conventional antibiotic delivery systems. This emerging class of wound dressings comprises biopolymeric nanofibers with inherent antibacterial properties, nature-derived compounds, and biofunctional agents. Nanotechnology, diminutive nanomaterials, nanoscaffolds, nanofibers, and biomaterials are harnessed for targeted drug delivery aimed at wound healing. This review article discusses the effects of nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with nanoparticles on wound healing, including biological (in vivo and in vitro) and mechanical outcomes.

Extracts of Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis Exhibit In Vivo Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities, and Other In Vitro Therapeutic Effects

The plant Brocchia cinerea (Delile) (B. cinerea) has many uses in traditional pharmacology. Aqueous (BCAE) and ethanolic extracts (BCEE) obtained from the aerial parts can be used as an alternative to some synthetic drugs. In vitro, DPPH, FRAP and TAC are three tests used to measure antioxidant efficacy. Antibacterial activities were determined against one Gram positive and two Gram negative strains of bacteria. The analgesic power was evaluated in vivo using the abdominal contortion model in mice, while carrageenan-induced edema in rats was the model chosen for the anti-inflammatory test; wound healing was evaluated in an experimental second degree burn model. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that BCEE had the greatest content of polyphenols (21.06 mg AGE/g extract), flavonoids (10.43 mg QE/g extract) and tannins (24.05 mg TAE/g extract). HPLC-DAD reveals the high content of gallic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid in extracts. BCEE has a strong antiradical potency against DPPH (IC50 = 0.14 mg/mL) and a medium iron reducing activity (EC50 = 0.24 mg/mL), while BCAE inhibited the growth of the antibiotic resistant bacterium, P. aeruginosa (MIC = 10 mg/mL). BCAE also exhibited significant pharmacological effects and analgesic efficacy (55.81% inhibition 55.64% for the standard used) and the re-epithelialization of wounds, with 96.91% against 98.60% for the standard. These results confirm the validity of the traditional applications of this plant and its potential as a model to develop analogous drugs.

Influence of various temperatures, seed priming treatments and durations on germination and growth of the medicinal plant Aspilia africana

For millennia, Aspilia africana has been used across Africa to treat various diseases including malaria, wounds, and diabetes. In this study, temperature influenced the in vitro germination of A. africana with highest final germination percentage (FGP) and germination index (GI) of 65.0 ± 7.64% and 2.26 ± 0.223, respectively, at 19.8 °C. Priming seeds with H₂O, KNO_3, and GA₃ (gibberellic acid 3) improved both in vitro germination and ex vitro emergence of A. africana seeds. Seed priming with [Formula: see text] M GA₃ produced overall highest in vitro FGP (from 90.0 ± 4.08% to 100 ± 0.00%) and GI (from 2.97 ± 0.385 to 3.80 ± 0.239) across all priming durations. Seeds primed with KNO₃ had better germination parameters for 6 and 12 h compared to 18 and 24 h. Furthermore, the highest in vitro FGP (100 ± 0.00%) was observed in seeds primed for 12 h with [Formula: see text] M GA₃. Ex vitro A. africana seed emergence was significantly enhanced by GA₃ priming. Priming A. africana seeds with H₂O, KNO₃, and GA₃ improved their growth after 3 months, with the overall best growth for seeds primed with [Formula: see text] M GA₃. Seed priming of A. africana is a feasible approach for improving germination and seed emergence, and enhancing plant growth.

In silico analysis of Typha domingensis Pers. phytocompounds against wound healing biomarkers and ascertaining through in vitro cell migration assay

Typha domingensis Pers. is known for its medicinal properties. Although traditionally T. domingensis Pers. has been used for wound healing, yet scientific investigations reporting its ability to heal wounds are lacking. Phytochemical profiling of T. domingensis Pers. inflorescence crude extract was carried out by LC-MS analysis. Ten phytochemicals were selected for in silico analysis based on retention time, mass-to-charge ratio and resolution of mass spectrum. Molecular docking of all ten compounds was done against selected wound healing biomarkers viz., interleukin 6(IL-6), interleukin β (IL-β), insulin-like growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor (IGF-1R) and transformation growth factor β (TGF-β). Based on this, catechin, mesalazine and piperazine were subjected for in vitro cell migration assay (3T3 L1 mouse fibroblast cell line) to assess their wound healing potentials. Molecular docking revealed that mesalazine, catechin, and piperazine have potential ligands based on lowest docking energy (ranging from - 4.1587 to - 0.972), Glide E score (ranging from - 26.929 to - 57.882), Glide G score (ranging from - 4.16 to - 7.972) and numbers of hydrogen bonds compared to other compounds studied. The migration assay revealed that, compared to control (52.5%), T. domingensis Pers. inflorescence crude extract showed maximum wound healing potential (80%) followed by Catechin (66.8%) Mesalazine (58.3%) and Piperazine (51.2%). The combined in silico and in vitro approach opens new dimension for designing innovative therapeutics to manage different types of wounds.

Teratogenic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Aspilia africana on The Dentate Gyrus of Wistar Rat Fetuses

Aspilia africana is an herbal plant widespread in Africa used for medicinal purposes and also used by pregnant women for health related issues. This study was aimed at investigating the teratogenic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana on the dentate gyrus of albino wistar rat fetuses. Twenty (20) female adult rats weighing between 190-205g were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups; control, low dose, medium dose and high dose with each group containing five rats. Pregnancy was induced by caging the female rats with sexually matured males. The presence of vaginal plug and tail structure in the vaginal smear the following morning confirmed coition, and it was regarded as day 0 of pregnancy. The control group was given distilled water. The low dose, medium dose, and the high dose groups received 750mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, and 1250mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana through an orogastric tube from day 7-11 of gestation. On the 20th day of gestation, the animals were sacrificed using chloroform-inhalation method. Their fetuses were harvested via uterectomy, the brain was excised and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and then routine histological processes were carried out. Staining was done using Haematoxylin and Eosin method. Histological observation of the dentate gyri of experimental groups revealed marked distortion, reduction of the polymorphic layer, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of cells in the molecular and granular layer especially in the high dose group whose mothers received 1250mg/kg of the extracts. The result suggests high doses of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana may be teratogenic to the dentate gyrus of Wistar rat fetuses.

Indirect in vitro Regeneration of the Medicinal Plant, Aspilia africana, and Histological Assessment at Different Developmental Stages

The medicinal plant, Aspilia africana, has been traditionally used in several African countries to treat many diseases such as tuberculosis, cough, inflammation, malaria, osteoporosis, and diabetes. In this study, we developed a protocol for in vitro propagation of A. africana using indirect shoot organogenesis from leaf and root explants of in vitro-grown seedlings and assessed the tissues at different developmental stages. The highest callus induction (91.9 ± 2.96%) from leaf explants was in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) while from root explants, the highest callus induction (92.6 ± 2.80%) was in the same plant tissue culture medium augmented with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D. The best shoot regeneration capacity from leaf-derived calli (i.e., 80.0 ± 6.23% regeneration percentage and 12.0 ± 6.23 shoots per callus) was obtained in medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.05 mg/L α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); the best regeneration capacity for root-derived calli (i.e., 86.7 ± 6.24% shoot regeneration percentage and 14.7 ± 1.11 shoots per callus) was obtained in the MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L BAP, 0.05 mg/L NAA, and 0.1 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ). Regenerated plantlets developed a robust root system in 1/2 MS medium augmented with 0.1 mg/L NAA and had a survival rate of 93.6% at acclimatization. The in vitro regenerated stem tissue was fully differentiated, while the young leaf tissue consisted of largely unorganized and poorly differentiated cells with large intercellular airspaces typical of in vitro leaf tissues. Our study established a protocol for the indirect regeneration of A. africana and offers a basis for its domestication, large-scale multiplication, and germplasm preservation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to develop an indirect regeneration protocol for A. africana and conduct anatomical assessment through the different stages of development from callus to a fully developed plantlet.

An in vitro Propagation of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams, and Evaluation of Its Anatomy and Physiology of Acclimatized Plants

Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams is an important medicinal plant, that has been used as traditional medicine in many African countries for the treatment of various health problems, including inflammatory conditions, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, cough, measles, diabetes, diarrhea, malaria, and wounds. We developed an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro regeneration of A. africana from nodes. We assessed the effects of plant tissue culture media on A. africana growth, cytokinins for in vitro shoot regeneration and proliferation, and auxins for the rooting of regenerated shoots. Furthermore, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rates, anatomy (leaves, stems, and roots), and Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectra (leaves, stems, and roots) of the in vitro regenerated and maternal A. africana plants were compared. Murashige and Skoog media, containing vitamins fortified with benzylaminopurine (BA, 1.0 mg/l), regenerated the highest number of shoots (13.0 ± 0.424) from A. africana nodal segments. 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 0.1 mg/l) produced up to 13.10 ± 0.873 roots, 136.35 ± 4.316 mm length, and was the most efficient for rooting. During acclimatization, the in vitro regenerated A. africana plants had a survival rate of 95.7%, displaying normal morphology and growth features. In vitro regenerated and mother A. africana plants had similar chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rates, stem and root anatomies, and FT-NIR spectra of the leaf, stem, and roots. The established regeneration protocol could be used for large-scale multiplication of the plant within a short time, thus substantially contributing to its rapid propagation and germplasm preservation, in addition to providing a basis for the domestication of this useful, high-value medicinal plant.

Wound Healing Activities of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Bersama abyssinica Leaves in Mice

Background

Bersama abyssinica leaves are traditionally used for management of wounds in several communities of Ethiopia, despite no scientifically approved studies done on wound healing. Our study planned to work out the wound healing effects of B. abyssinica leaves extract in mice.

Methods

B. abyssinica leaves were extracted with 80% hydromethanol and fractioned with chloroform, hexane, and water. The acute dermal toxicity of the crude extract was evaluated in mice. The crude extract formulated at 5% and 10% w/w ointment was investigated in excision, incision, and burn wound models and solvent fractions in the excision model using simple ointment (negative control) and nitrofurazone 0.2% w/v (positive control). We evaluated histopathological analysis, wound contraction rate, complete epithelialization period, and skin durability. One-way ANOVA followed by the post hoc Tukey HSD test with IBM SPSS software version 23.0 was used for data analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Hydromethanolic crude extract produced 5% (99.5%) and 10% (100%) wound contraction on the 16^th day of the treatment and 5% (18.8) and 10% (28.2) percent reduction in the epithelization period on the excision wound healing model. Hydromethanolic crude extract produced 5% (47.5) and 10% (61.17) percent durability on the incision wound healing model. Hydromethanolic crude extract produced 5% (99.82%) and 10% (100%) wound contraction on the 20^th day of treatment and 5% (13%) and 10% (21.7%) reduction in the epithelization period on the burn wound healing model. The chloroform fraction produced 5% (90.17%) and 10% (91.01%), hexane fraction produced 5% (85.81%) and 10% (86.78%), and aqueous fraction produced 5% (99.17%) and 10% (99.38%) wound contraction on the 14^th day of the treatment and 5% (18.8) and 10% (28.2) percent reduction in the epithelization period on the excision wound healing model. Both hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions at 5% and 10% (w/w) were significant (p < 0.001) compared with negative control.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that both 5% w/w and 10% w/w of 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of B. abyssinica leaves have wound healing effects.

A new record of generic vascular plant for the flora of Saudi Arabia: Aspilia kotschyi (Asteraceae)

The paper presents Aspilia kotschyi (Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.) Oliv. (Asteraceae), a newly recorded genus of vascular plants, during the fieldwork in Fayfa region in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Flora books and scientific research papers dealing with the flora of Saudi Arabia have not mentioned any species of Aspilia genus. The taxon was found for the first time in Saudi Arabia, which makes a new addition and significant contribution to the flora of Saudi Arabia. The plant was seen near cultivated terraces and collected in September and October 2020 from Fayfa mountains, Jazan province, Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Morphological description, taxonomic remarks, distribution map, plant illustration, and plant photographs are provided.

Therapeutic Potential of β-Caryophyllene: A Dietary Cannabinoid in Diabetes and Associated Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide across developed as well as developing nations. Hyperglycemia is the core feature of the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), following insulin deficiency and impaired insulin secretion or sensitivity leads insulin resistance (IR), respectively. Genetic and environmental factors attributed to the pathogenesis of DM and various therapeutic strategies are available for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Among the numerous therapeutic approaches, the health effects of dietary/nutraceutical approach due to the presence of bioactive constituents, popularly termed phytochemicals are receiving special interest for pharmacological effects and therapeutic benefits. The phytochemicals classes, in particular sesquiterpenes received attention because of potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic effects and health benefits mediating modulation of enzymes, receptors, and signaling pathways deranged in DM and its complications. One of the terpene compounds, β-caryophyllene (BCP), received enormous attention because of its abundant occurrence, non-psychoactive nature, and dietary availability through consumption of edible plants including spices. BCP exhibit selective full agonism on cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R), an important component of endocannabinoid system, and plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism and represents the newest drug target for chronic inflammatory diseases. BCP also showed agonist action on peroxisome proliferated activated receptor subtypes, PPAR-α and PPAR-γ, the main target of currently used fibrates and imidazolidinones for dyslipidemia and IR, respectively. Many studies demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, organoprotective, and antihyperglycemic properties. In the present review, the plausible therapeutic potential of BCP in diabetes and associated complications has been comprehensively elaborated based on experimental and a few clinical studies available. Further, the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of BCP in diabetes and its complications have been represented using synoptic tables and schemes. Given the safe status, abundant natural occurrence, oral bioavailability, dietary use and pleiotropic properties modulating receptors and enzymes, BCP appears as a promising molecule for diabetes and its complications.

Ethnopharmacological Potential of Aspilia africana for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammatory diseases are major health concerns affecting millions of people worldwide. Aspilia africana has been used for centuries by many African communities in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions, including inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis, rheumatic pains, and wounds. Analysis of the phytochemical composition of A. africana indicated that the plant is rich in a broad range of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, sterols, phenolic compounds, and glycosides. This explains the efficacy of the plant in treating inflammation-related diseases, as well as several other health conditions affecting different African communities. The mechanisms of action of the anti-inflammatory phytochemical compounds in A. africana include inhibition of a number of physiological processes involved in the inflammatory process and synthesis or action of proinflammatory enzymes. The phytochemicals enhance anti-inflammatory biological responses such as inhibition of a number of chemical mediators including histamine, prostanoids and kinins, 5-lipoxygenase. and cyclooxygenase and activation of phosphodiesterase and transcriptase. Currently used anti-inflammatory medications are associated with several disadvantages such as drug toxicity and iatrogenic reactions, thereby complicating the treatment process. The adverse effects related to the use of these conventional synthetic drugs have been the driving force behind consideration of natural remedies, and efforts are being made toward the development of anti-inflammatory agents based on natural extracts. A. africana is rich in secondary metabolites, and its use as a traditional medicine for treating inflammatory diseases has been validated through in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, the plant could be further explored for potential development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Evaluation of the biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters of female Wistar rats fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aspilia africana leaves

Introduction: Aspilia africana is a plant commonly used to stop bleeding, heal wound, and manage various stomach complaints. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of A. africana on biochemical (liver function tests, renal function tests, and lipid profile), histopathological (kidney and liver) and haematological parameters of the female Wistar rats. Methods: To study acute toxicity, the median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by oral administration of different doses of the extract to 8 groups of 3 rats each and the animals were observed for 24 hours for signs of toxicity. To evaluate the toxicological effect of the extract, 3 groups of 5 animals each received 0.5 mL normal saline (control), 250 or 500 mg/kg of the extracts for 2 consecutive weeks. Results: Data revealed the LD50 of the extract to be >5000 mg/kg.bw. There was no significant variation in organosomatic indices of the animals fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. africana leaves. In comparison with the control, there were significant increases (p<0.05) in serum liver and kidney biomarkers, high density lipoprotein, and white blood cells while some red cells indices, platelets, some lipid profile levels reduced significantly (p<0.05). A marked alteration in hepatic and renal architectures was also observed. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that the A. africana leaf may not be safe as medicine despite the outcome of LD50 acute toxicity studies. For it to be integrated in folk medicine, we recommend its use at minimal doses.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Fabaceae): a narrative review

Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of a number of non-infectious diseases in the world. Over the years, Tamarindus indica has played fundamental roles in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. It is a commercialized biocompatible medicinal plant species with a wide range of therapeutic window and with suggested LD50 greater than 5000 mg kg⁻¹ body weight when administered to the Wistar rats. This review examined the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential and mechanism of various extracts from T. indica pulp, leaves, seeds, stem bark, and roots. The preclinical studies provided strong pharmacological evidence for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the different parts of T. indica and this may be attributed to the various bioactive compounds in it including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and steroids. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the extracts from the different parts of T. indica may be due to its ability to inhibit a number of biological processes including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 5-lipoxygenase biosynthesis, and tumor necrosis factor-α. The analgesic activity of T. indica may also be through the activation of the opioidergic mechanism at both the peripheral and central levels. Although further pre-clinical studies still need to be conducted, these results demonstrated that T. indica has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and hence provides justification for its use in traditional medicine to treat body pain and other inflammatory related diseases including arthritis and offers a basis for future clinical studies and possible drug development.